Posted by Roxanna McDade on Thu, Sep 02, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
By Andrea Julian
Preparing for a road trip to Mexico entails some planning. You have to get your car or RV in good mechanical condition, get a Mexican auto insurance policy (or Mexican RV insurance policy) and you need to find yourself a good Mexico road atlas. There is one item that many people fail to take into account during the planning process, and that is getting their cell phone read to use in Mexico. It’s pretty simple to set up and use your cell phone in Mexico, and it can make your trip a whole lot easier.
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Unlock your cell phone. Many cell phones are 'locked' so that they can only be used by your current carrier. To see if your cell phone is locked, simply replace your SIM card with one from a friend who has a different service. If your phone recognizes the new SIM card and starts working, then your cell phone is unlocked. If not, your cell phone is locked. To unlock it, check online and find the unlock code for your cell phone or contact your carrier and ask them to unlock it for you.
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Once you are in Mexico, go into a cell phone store and get a new SIM card for a carrier of your choice. There are two in Mexico: Movistar and TelCel. The rates between the two are pretty similar. However, Movistar tends to offer wider coverage, which may or may not be important to you depending on where your travels are taking you.
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You will have two options for cell phone service in Mexico. You can either sign a monthly contract or you can pay as you go. If you choose to pay as you go, you will simply have to buy a phone card to re-charge your phone once you have used up all the minutes. These can be bought at most stores in Mexico. Cards are sold in increments of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 pesos. Smaller amounts are valid for only a couple of days and larger amounts are valid for up to a month. If your minutes expire you can retrieve them as long as you buy more minutes to recharge it within 7 days. Instead of buying a card, you can also go into a store that is an authorized dealer and pay them to recharge the card by phone. This can be easier if you are not good with punching a long sequence of numbers using tiny cell phone buttons.
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You will need a passport number and valid ID in order to sign up for service. It normally takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to get the service set up and working. Once your service has been set up, simply put your new SIM card into your phone and turn it on. You should now have cellular service in Mexico.
Next to getting Mexican auto insurance, getting your cell phone set up to use in Mexico should be your top priority when planning your road trip to Mexico. You will be able to call ahead to hotels, touch base with family and friends, and in case of an emergency, you will be able to call for help immediately. Just because you are in Mexico doesn't mean you have to forsake your cell phone and all the conveniences it brings!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Wed, Sep 01, 2010 @ 12:06 PM
By Andrea Julian
Mexico is famous for its killer waves and is an international surf destination. The best part about Mexico's surf spots is that the best ones are located just a short drive from the U.S. along the Baja Peninsula. You won't have to ship your board or buy expensive airline tickets. Just grab your board, purchase a Mexican auto insurance policy online from www.mexpro.com and in less than a day you can be riding high on some of the best waves in the world.
Baja California Norte
Ensenada One of the most famous breaks in Ensenada lands on the little island of Todos Santos just off the coast of Ensenada (not to be confused with the town of Todos Santos in southern Baja). Known as Killers, this is powerfully big deepwater wave that is best hit early in the morning (pre-dawn). Not for armatures, Killers is a serious wave for serious surfers. San Miguel, just north of Killers, is one of the most consistent waves in northern Baja. Get here early to snag a spot in the line up because it blows out after 11 AM.
San Quintin Zone The area between Punta San Jose and Punta Baja is known as the San Quintin Zone. This rocky stretch is loaded with surf spots and has the advantage of being less crowded than Ensenada. Expect to find many rocky points with adjacent beach breaks, with larger swells on the outer reef from the Colonet to Camalu area. There are a number of towns in the area to supply surfers with food and gas, and a number of RV parks, restaurants and bars are in the area as well.
Baja California Sur
Todos Santos Just one hour north of Cabo San Lucas is the town of Todos Santos, which has some of the best breaks in the Baja. Los Cerritos and San Pedrito, just south of Todos Santos in the tiny fishing village of Pescadero, are the two best breaks in the area. Los Cerritos is an exposed point break that is consistent year round and has the added bonus of being fairly deserted most of the time. San Pedrito, a consistent exposed beach break, is typically more crowded.
Cabo San Lucas Many surfers have found surf paradise at Lands End. There are three main surf areas here. The East Cape is a south-facing beach that is famous for its right point breaks. Costa Azul faces southeast and is one of the more popular Cabo surf spots because of its consistent rock reef breaks. The west facing Pacific Coast that runs north of Cabo has fairly dependable rock-reef and beach breaks. In addition to great swells, the town of Cabo San Lucas offers plenty to do outside of the water, with plenty of bars and restaurants to keep surfers entertained day and night.
Baja has the advantage of having great surf year-round. In the winter months, water temperature can be cooler so bring along a wetsuit. Baja is also a free zone, meaning Americans can travel there without a vehicle import permit and immigration does not apply. You will still need paperwork for your vehicle, including proof of registration and Mexican auto insurance. Other than that, all you need are your boards and shorts, so what are you waiting for? Surfs up!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Tue, Aug 31, 2010 @ 09:01 AM
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Click here to read entire PRWEB Press Release on Mexpro.com's new Mexpro Assist Mexico Travel Services Product.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Tue, Aug 31, 2010 @ 06:51 AM
By Andrea Julian
The beaches of the Mayan Riviera beckon to travelers, especially during winter. While in the north it may be cold and wet, in the south it is the land of eternal summer. Winter is the dry season in Mexico, which means every day is full of sunshine, there are fewer bugs (no rain = no bugs!) and everyone is in full-on vacation mode. This is a great time to meet up with other travelers since snowbirds from all over the world recognize the Mayan Riviera as one of the world's premier travel destinations. There are many RV parks in the Yucatan that offer weekly, monthly and seasonal rates, and when you come in a caravan, you will often find the rates to be even better.
Paa Mul: Camping on the Caribbean. Located in Playa del Carmen, the Paa Mul has been a popular destination for RVers for years. They offer 120 full hook-up sites, some pull-thrus and some back-ins. The park offers full security, a nice restaurant, a beautiful pool and they allow pets (as long as you keep them on a leash). Paa Mul has private beach access as it is located right on the on the beach. The Paa Mul is located 10 miles past Playa del Carmen on Highway 307. You can contact the park at 52-984-876-2691. In wintertime the park is very popular, so calling ahead to make reservations is recommended.
El Meco Loco: El Meco Loco is located in Cancun on the road to Merida. They offer several cabanas in addition an RV park with grassy sites and plenty of shade. This nicely landscaped park is close to the beach, shopping, restaurants and Mayan ruins. The RV sites all include electricity, water and sewage. Call them at 52-843-0746 with questions or to make reservations. http://mecoloco.com/
Yax Ha Resort and RV Park: The Yax Ha is a full service resort and RV park located in the city of Chetumal close to the Belize border. The full hook-up RV sites include electricity, water and sewer connections, and also offer wireless Internet connection and full 24 hour security. The beach-front park also has a large swimming pool and beautifully landscaped grounds. You can contact Yax Ha at 52-983-834-4127 for more information or to make reservations. http://yaxha-resort.com/
Exploring the Mayan Riviera with an RV caravan has become even easier in the past year due to the new four-lane highway that now connects Cancun to Chetumal. There are plenty of restaurants to stop at along the way as well as cenotes (natural spring water swimming pools that dot the landscape in the Yucatan peninsula). You may encounter checkpoints along the road, where officials will ask to see your paperwork, including proof you have Mexico RV insurance for your RV. Always have your paperwork handy and in order to make the stop as quick as possible.
RV caravans have been making the trek to the Yucatan for years and the people here are well prepared to handle RV travelers, so why not spend the winter basking in the Mexican sun in one of these beautiful beach-side parks with your caravan friends? This is living “pura vida”, as they say down south – living the pure life! So pack your RV, grab your friends, and come down and stay awhile for the caravan RV vacation of a lifetime.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Aug 30, 2010 @ 01:27 PM
By Andrea Julian
The Mayan Riviera beckons travelers with sun-kissed, white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. Like a set out of a Hollywood movie, the landscapes couldn't be more perfect. Amazing sunsets, sunrises, friendly people and fresh sea food will greet you daily, which is why so many snowbirds make the trek to the Mayan Riviera year after year, arriving in October or November and not leaving until March or April. There is no shortage of RV resorts to park your rig for the winter so you can enjoy your own version of an endless summer in Mexico.
It is a trek to get to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. It is just over 2,000 miles from San Diego to Cancun. While the roads are good and safe, many RVers prefer to ride in packs, and the RV Caravan has become the latest trend in trekking across Mexico.
RV caravans are offered by a number of companies in the U.S. There are approximately 200 caravans into Mexico each year, with a typical caravan consisting of 20 or so RV's. For long distance treks, caravans can provide you with the security and camaraderie that many campers crave. Caravan packages include a variety of options, including an experienced guide or caravan leader who travels in his own RV, some meals, and campground fees. Traveling in groups often means discounted rates at RV campgrounds, so caravanning, whether with an organized group or with some of your friends, can end up saving you money in addition making for a memorable road trip.
Whether or not your RV caravan is with an organized group or if it is just a group of good friends road tripping together, there are certain preparations you will need to take. First, you will want to familiarize yourself with the roads. Get yourself a good road map. Guia Roji is the Mexico road guide of choice. It is updated every two years or so and gives detailed and accurate maps of cities, routes, toll roads and attractions and is invaluable on the road. Next, get your RV looked at by a mechanic to ensure it is in great working order. Check the tires, brakes and transmission. Mexico is full of mountains and windy roads can be hard on RV's, so the better prepared you are, the less you will have to worry about when you are on the road.
Mexico requires that all vehicles have Mexican insurance coverage. Mexican RV insurance will cover your RV in the case of an accident, offering a full range of protection for you and your property. U.S. insurance will not cover your RV in Mexico. You can purchase Mexican RV insurance online for the duration of your trip. After you purchase your policy you can immediately print it out, in order to show the officials at the border. Keep your policy on you at all times to prove that your RV is insured and to avoid hassles and fines by Mexican officials.
Now that you and your RV caravan are ready to hit the road, you may want to know some of the great RV parks that you can park your RV at for the winter in the Mayan Riviera. Check out Part 2 for more information on RV caravanning to Mexico's Mayan Riviera.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Thu, Aug 19, 2010 @ 02:28 PM
By Andrea Julian
It’s easy to escape the winter blues by parking your RV in a Mexico RV park during the winter months. These parks, all located within an hours drive from the U.S. border, offer great amenities and monthly and seasonal rates, making them an affordable way to spend your winter basking in the Mexican sun.
Rancho Ojai
Rancho Ojai is located just 13 miles east of Tecate in Baja Mexico. More than just an RV park, Rancho Ojai offers many activities that make it a great place to spend a week or a season. RV sites are either pull-through or back-in spaces and all have connections for water, sewage and 50 AMP electricity. Pads are surrounded by old growth trees that offer privacy and shade. Each site also comes with a picnic table, a small bench and a BBQ grill. Two swimming pools and a mini-golf course are located on-site. In the corral are sheep and horses and guests are welcome to arrange horseback riding trips to explore the oak studded countryside. The ranch aviary is home to peacocks, pigeons and other local birds, adding color and charm to this popular guest ranch. Contact the ranch to ask for special seasonal rates. http://www.rancho-ojai.com/
Playa de Oro RV Park
Located on the south end of Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point, Playa de Oro is an oceanfront RV park that is packed full of amenities. Each site has 20 and 30 AMP electric sockets and comes with free wireless Internet. The park has its own water supply and is able to offer pure well water throughout the park. Laundry facilities, a recreation hall, a mini-market and a restaurant are located on-site. Fishermen will appreciate the boat launching and boat storage options. Fishing tackle and charter fishing are also available at Playa de Oro. The park has 24-hour security. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available and group discounts are given for groups occupying 10 spaces or more. http://www.playadeoro-rv.com/
Estero Beach Hotel and Resort
Located just 60 miles south of San Diego in Ensenada, this family owned resort and RV Park has been welcoming snowbirds since the 1950's. Its 38, full-hookup RV sites are all within yards of the resort’s private access sandy beach. The resort’s RV Park has a swimming pool with swim-up bar, restroom and shower facilities, grassy areas and tree shaded areas, tropical landscaping, laundry facilities and a fenced children's playground and recreation area. A restaurant is located on-site. Estero caters to seasonal visitors and offers a residential community for long-term residents with discounted monthly site rentals. http://www.hotelesterobeach.com/rv-park.html
Even though all of these RV parks are within the Free Zone of Mexico, you will still need to get insurance for your RV. Mexican RV insurance is necessary because U.S. or Canadian insurance will not cover you in Mexico. RV insurance for Mexico can be purchased online before you head out on your vacation. If you are bringing your boat, you will also want to check out the Mexico boat insurance options that are available too. Online brokers can get you your policies before you hit the border, to make crossing a breeze. You will also want to pick up a good Mexico road map, such as the Guia Roji, before you leave to make traversing the Mexican highways easier. So get your RV ready, pack your swimsuits and fishing gear and get ready to spend the winter soaking up the sun in the beautiful country of Mexico!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Tue, Aug 17, 2010 @ 07:10 AM
By Andrea Julian
Each year there is a mass migration of snowbirds from the north looking to spend the winter months in the blissful sunshine of Baja California. In fully loaded RV's with road maps in hand, they take off for the dusty roads looking for the perfect place to park for the winter. Since the winter and spring months of November to April are the prime months to visit Mexico, RV parks can fill up quickly. To ensure you have a prime place, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance. Here are some of the best RV parks to stay at in Baja during the winter.
Playa Norte RV Park
This gracious property is located in Los Barriles, on the East Cape of Baja. Each pull through has an ocean view, and 21 sites are oceanfront. Pull-through sites are each 70 feet long and 25 feet wide. There is WiFi on-site during the winter tourist season of October to April. Pets are welcome and there is even an on-site veterinarian and pet grooming services. Another bonus is that this property has long-term RV storage services available. You can reserve sites online at their website: http://www.playanortervpark.com/.
East Cape RV Resort
This is another beachfront RV resort in Los Barriles. Full-service, pull-through sites are equipped with either 30 or 50 AMP hook-ups. High speed WiFi Internet is available throughout the resort property. The white sand beaches of the Sea of Cortes are only 300 yards away. The East Cape offers monthly, seasonal and annual rates and welcomes retirees. http://www.eastcaperv.com/
Villa Serena RV Park
This is a well-known park on the outskirts of Cabo San Lucas at KM 7.5 on the Transpeninsular Highway. The park has weekly, monthly and seasonal rates for those that want to stay a while. Park amenities include a pool, Jacuzzi, laundry and shower facilities and an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Villa Serena RV Park is also pet friendly. http://www.ontheroadin.com/baja/bajarvparks/villaserena.htm
Big RV's Camp
This full service RV park is located on the beach just outside of San Felipe on the Sea of Cortes. This is a gated park with pull through sites that offer water, sewer and electricity. The private access beach is located just 100 yards away. The El Dorado Ranch, compete with new 18-hole championship golf course, is only 18 miles away. Weekly, monthly, seasonal and yearly rates are available. http://www.sanfelipe.com.mx/business/big_rvs_park/index.html
Escape the cold winter months enjoying the tropical waters and white sand beaches of Baja. To get started, get your RV ready by taking it to a mechanic for a check-up. You will need to get Mexican RV insurance to take your RV to Mexico. You can get it online from several qualified brokers. Long-term travelers might also want to consider travel health insurance to cover you in the event of an unexpected illness or accident. Once you have your papers in order, and your RV has a clean bill of health, pack your swimsuit, grab your fishing gear, and head south to Baja, the land of eternal summer!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Tue, Aug 17, 2010 @ 07:07 AM
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Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Aug 16, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
From Baja Times
On Saturday, Aug. 28, Bajamar Oceanfront Hotel & Golf Resort will host the Annual Vendimia Golf Open in Ensenada, Baja California. The tourney supports the Baja Scholarship Foundation. The shot-gun tournament will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the resort’s 27-hole course, located just an hour south of San Diego and 20 minutes north of the city of Ensenada.
Registration for the event is $125 per player, which includes cart and greens fees, wine tastings, prize opportunities, a Parillada dinner paired with wine, and more. Awards will be presented at the dinner, but according to tournament committee member Larry French of the Baja Real Estate Group, the biggest prize of all will be the fact that golfers and sponsors are coming together to celebrate Baja California’s grape harvest by raising monies to send deserving children to school.
“The quality of the event and of our sponsors make us very confident that this year’s Vendimia Open at Bajamar will be bigger and better, and will ultimately send a lot more kids to school!” said French.
For more information and registration, contact Patrick Shaw, pshawpga@hotmail.com, or Hector Rosas, hrosas@golfbajamar.com. For additional information about becoming a sponsor, contact Roy Warfield, roywarfield@cox.net. To make donations to the event, contact Ruth Rockwell, rrockwella@aol.com.
Click here to read more about the Annual Vendimia Golf Open.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Aug 16, 2010 @ 06:55 AM
By Jaclyn Ryan at Suite101.com
The summer is a great time to escape with your family. Head south of the border to have fun in the sun with your loved ones.
Beautiful and family friendly Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are three of the most popular desinations south of the border.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos is located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula and is made up of both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is a lively desination known for shopping, night life and abundant restaurant choices. San Jose del Cabo of equal prestige but is typically known as the more mellow of the two.
In addition to it's lively night life and abundant romantic restaurants, Los Cabos is known for more family-friendly activities as well. Although swimming in some beaches is discouraged, (many have strong undertows and no lifeguards on duty) parents still have the choice of taking their kids to do water sports, fishing, boating and shopping activities. There is something for every age group within this beautiful vacation destination.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a town situated along the Banderas Bay. Viejo Vallarta is known as the "Old Town" and is a must see for vacationers in this area. Here families can find locally made items to take home from the local flea market, as well as plenty of folk dancing, fireworks and entertainment. Basilio Badillo is known as the town's Restaurant Row and is where vacationers can dine on authentic foods such as enchiladas and quesadillas.
Children and adults would both enjoy spending a day on the city's Play de Los Muertos. This is a lively beach situated on the city's southern side where tourists frequently visit to see musicians and dancers perform.
Cancun
Cancun is one of the most popular destinations for families in the United States. Most major airports offer direct flights in and out of Cancun and it has a wide range of activities available for vacationing families.
Xcaret is Cancun's large and abundant eco-park and has water activities (an underground river for swimming), exhibitions and entertainment and abundant wildlife (manatees, monkeys and jaguars to name a few). There are also plenty of options in town, with open-air markets for some authentic goods and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Lastly, most of the hotels in Cancun are located on Zona Hotelera, a barrier island where families might be tempted to spend most of their vacation poolside. The great thing about Cancun is the wide range of choices for adults and children alike.
Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are three of the most beautiful and most popular Mexican vacation destinations available for families today. With something to offer everyone, both parents and children will not be disappointed.